Warning! This Blog Is a Bit Parental!

Setting Yourself Up for Success in 2026

Okay… you’re ready to set your New Year’s goals. Maybe you’re thinking 2026 is going to be different.

You’re going to win your division. Become the next champion. Move up to the next level.

You’re declaring your vision to your partner, your friends, your coach, your family—letting everyone know you’re climbing the ladder of dance success.

This is your year. Your moment, dagnabit! (A more polite way of saying damn it.)

Now that you have your vision, I’m curious…Well, actually, I’m not—because it’s your vision—but I’ll play along.

What’s your plan?

How are you going to accomplish this declaration—this dream? Can you break it down? Daily? Monthly? For the entire year?

You might say to me (or others):

“Well, I’m going to practice more. I practice an hour a day now, so I’ll practice two.”

Me: What else?

You: I’m going to take more coaching lessons—and use different coaches.

Me: Okay… what else?

You: I’m going to attend more competitions on the West Coast and win over the West Coast judges who don’t like my dancing.

Me: …

You: …

Me: …

And now—surprise—we reach the end of 2026, and most likely you’re in the same place you were in 2025.

Not all of you. But most of you.

Why?

For many, it comes down to consistency.

Ever been to the gym right after January 1st?  It’s packed.  Hundreds of people waiting in line for the treadmill.

One week later? A few dozen.

Two weeks later? A dozen.

Eventually? The same 20 people who’ve been there forever.

Why does that happen?

Everyone started with the same plan. The same goal. The same vision. “I declare that by the end of 2026, I’m going to look like a bodybuilder!”  Been there. Done that.(I’m talking about myself—not you, of course. 😄)

So let’s really do it this time.

Here’s how—in five easy steps (with maybe a few amalgamations along the way… after all, we are dancers).

1. SHUT UP. I know this is harsh but I want you to really Listen!

Don’t share your declarations or your plans with anyone.  Just get to work.

Let people see the difference. Give them the chance to say something—because when they do, you’ll know your hard work is paying off.

2. Practice by yourself.

Think of your partner as an object you need sometimes—mainly to do rounds with.

Too many dancers spend all their practice time running routines instead of studying dance: movement, mechanics, technique.

This is how you reinvent yourself.

3. Follow the 90/10 Rule in coaching lessons.  (Frankly, this applies to life.)

90% about them—the coach, the student, your boss.10% about you.

Teachers and Coaches this applies to you too! Listen more. Absorb more. Ego less.

4. Take notes.

Before your lessons.  During your lessons.  After your lessons.

Yes, I know—it’s easier to record or type things into your phone. But writing it down matters.  Your brain retains information better when you physically put pen to paper.  Old-school works.

5. Visualization and manifestation are real.

Study them like a college course.  There is endless information online.  Copy your favorite dancer.  Pretend you have to play them in a movie.

Learn everything: the way they move, the way they express, from how they point their toe to the very tips of their fingers.

There is nothing wrong with mimicking greatness.  Study the great ones.

Here’s the truth no one wants to hear: Talent isn’t what separates dancers—it’s discipline.

The dancers who change levels aren’t louder, busier, or luckier. They’re quieter. More focused. More consistent.

So don’t make 2026 another year of good intentions. Make it the year people stop you in the Ballroom and say:

“Something’s different about your dancing.”

That’s when you’ll know you did it right.